Inspectors from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce checking some products at a retail outlet in Souq Al Watan.

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Doha

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched an inspection campaign targeting a number of retail outlets in Souq Al Watan in Doha Souqs area to monitor suppliers’ compliance with Law No. 8 of 2008 on consumer protection.

The campaign comes within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities across Qatar to fight commercial fraud and uncover violations to protect consumer rights.
The inspections in Souq Al Watan resulted in detection of a number of violations, including the display and sale of counterfeit products bearing a trademark.
Other violations of some shops were related to the display and sale of gold, failing to clearly label all product information making it difficult for consumers to identify and choose the appropriate products to purchase.

Some outlets fail to clearly label all product information.

Another supplier was penalised for failing to conform to the gold grade before displaying the product for sale. The ministry implemented the penalties stipulated in Law No. 8 of 2008 based on Article (7) of the law.
The ministry also warned suppliers against offering products that do not conform to specifications and standards, as well as commodities that are not valid for display or sale, which will expose them to legal prosecution in Qatar.
Violations of Law No. 8 of 2008 on consumer protection can result in administrative closure and financial penalties ranging from QR3,000 to QR1mn.
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of Consumer Protection Law and its regulation and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on such practices.
The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators to protect consumer rights.
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions through the following channels: call centre – 16001; email - [email protected]; the accounts of the Ministry on social media networks - Twitter MEC_QATAR, Instagram MEC_QATAR; the applications of the Ministry on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR.